ACHIEVING OPTIMAL USE OF RECTAL MICROBICIDE – THE AFRICAN MSM PERSPECTIVE

1. ACHIEVING OPTIMAL USE OF RECTAL MICROBICIDE – THE AFRICAN MSM PERSPECTIVE BY SEKONI ADEKEMI (DR) College of Medicine, University of Lagos KADIRI AUDU (MR) – International Centre for Advocacy on Right to Health

2. Introduction • The HIV pandemic has made African MSM participation crucial, HIV prevalence among African MSM is higher than among adult males in the general population. • This study was carried out to assess perceived potential barriers which could negatively affect the use of rectal microbicides by African MSM.

3. Method • Cross sectional descriptive study with a qualitative and quantitative component • Quantitative information was collected with the use of a structured standardized questionnaire with closed ended questions • Qualitative information was collected during a focused group discussion with 8 participants.

4. Result • Mean age was 22.45 +3.11yrs, 55% had secondary school education. 90% were single, not in a steady relationship. • Only 40% of the respondents were openly living gay persons, 64% described themselves as being bisexual while the remaining 36% said they were homosexual. • All have had multiple sexual partners in the past twelve months with 60% of the bisexuals haven had a male & female sexual partner. • 90% were currently sexually active with the last sexual partner being a male, all use lubricants with 80% using all the time, the most commonly used lubricants were body cream and vaseline

5. Result Contd. • Potential barriers - lack of knowledge about microbicides - for the bisexuals, cost of 2 different types of microbicides (vaginal & rectal), carrying around 2 different types of microbicides Use of Rectal Microbicide Vaginally & Vice Versa • Majority were not living openly having a rectal microbicidein their possession will be tantamount to disclosure which will attract stigma